Sybil Birling

Question 1

What is Mrs Birling’s stage directions and why?

Answer 1

“A rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior”
Uses her as a symbol for the hypocrisy of the upper class

Question 2

How does Mrs Birling address the Eva?

Answer 2

“Girls of that class”
to objectify the people of the lower class and show them to have capitalistic attitudes towards the lower class

Question 3

How does Mrs Birling react to eric being an alcoholic?

Answer 3

“You know him Gerald you’re a man”
She asks Gerald to show the male opinion to be viewed upon as better by the Edwardian Society and shows the sexism in this time frame

Question 4

Who does Mrs Birling blame for Eva’s death?

Answer 4

I blame the young man this helps foreshadow her change of attitudes when it is revealed to be her son she would be blaming and avoids taking responsibility. It further shows how she wants the Edwardian Society to see this to further enhance her social image